Thai airport offers Moo Deng-themed dolls to the tourists during Songkran festival - Watch

Moo-Deng, an adorable baby pygmy hippo , stole the hearts of everyone around the world and was at the center of Thailand's celebrations during this year's Songkran festivities, bringing smiles to both foreign tourists and Thai residents.

Moo-Deng, who lives at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand, initially became popular last year due to his friendly and charming nature. His adorable antics soon went viral, and he became an Internet sensation. The popularity of Moo-Deng extends beyond that of an ordinary internet celebrity. His cute antics and charming demeanour have turned him into a symbol of happiness, making him an unplanned tourism icon for Thailand. His mischief has not only entertained individuals across the globe but also helped promote the nation's tourism and culture.

Briefly, Moo-Deng is not only a viral phenomenon but an actual ambassador of joy and a popular icon who made this year's Songkran celebration all the more memorable.



Moo-Deng’s viral plush toy giveaway as a Songkran tradition at Thai airports


To commemorate Thai New Year or Songkran this year, travellers who transited through Suvarnabhumi and another five international airports were given commemorative limited edition plush toys featuring Moo-Deng. The coloured, colourful flower shirts-clad dolls were produced to capture the celebratory atmosphere of Songkran. According to the Bangkok Post, it was an instant buzz that the project generated to the delight of both travellers as well as members of the society with a direct connection to culture.

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A touching video with a post titled ‘ Welcome Songkran in Thai style, Suvarnabhumi style!’ later went viral on social media, captured the cuddly dolls appearing along with passengers' bags on baggage carousels at Thai major airports. The image of the small hippo dolls, seeming to materialize miraculously on the conveyor belts, created an unforgettable experience for both passengers and bystanders.



Only 2,800 Moo-Deng dolls offered as unique gifts at Thai airports


To maintain the event's exclusivity, there were only 2,800 Moo-Deng plush dolls manufactured and handed out at six Thai airports, namely Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang in Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai. The dolls' limited-edition status guaranteed high demand, rendering them an even more valued keepsake for the fortunate few to receive them.

Airports of Thailand (AoT) President Kerati Kijmanawat told the Bangkok Post that the popularity of Moo-Deng has brought thousands of foreign visitors into the country. According to him, the sort of special and cute gift during Songkran was a great way to enrich the travel experience. " Moo Deng has brought more customers to the airports managed by AoT," Kijmanawat told the Bangkok Post, highlighting the benefits of Moo-Deng for Thailand's tourism.





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